As a final kick in the teeth for 2020, for the first time since it started 21 years ago, the America’s Party fireworks show on the Strip won’t take place this New Year’s Eve. While it hasn’t been officially stated, it follows that the Strip will not be closed off to allow the traditional mass gathering there and the downtown party will also be canceled.

Downtown won’t be without fireworks, however; the Plaza has announced that it will have a display. In a statement, the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority said to “stay tuned” for better news about ringing in the new year in Vegas.

Food court closed: The Forum Food Court at Caesars Palace is now surrounded and blocked by plywood. Eight of the nine fast-food outlets are shut down. The pizza counter is open, while Starbucks has relocated to the Forum Casino on the other side of the sports book. Caesars says the shutdown is for “maintenance,” but hasn’t publicized a reopening date.

Buffet down: Perhaps not the best, but certainly one of the busiest buffets in Las Vegas has seen its last serving tray. It’s been announced that the Circus Circus buffet will not reopen and be replaced with a $2.5 million food court.

Keno hit: A player at Boulder Station hit 10 out of 10 playing a $1 keno machine for a $250,000 payday. The winning numbers were in a nice tight pattern: 5, 6, 7; 15, 16, 17; 25, 26, 27; with a lone 18 bookending the middle line.

Question:Is there any talk of Las Vegas shutting down again given the surge in COVID cases throughout the country?

Answer: A partial lockdown is possible. During a press conference this week, Nevada’s governor warned that renewed restrictions could be forthcoming if Nevada’s numbers don’t improve in two weeks. The casinos weren’t targeted specifically, however, and it’s believed that bars, restaurants and entertainment venues would be the first to be hit with renewed restrictions if they materialize, with a complete shutdown unlikely.

For more information about current Las Vegas shows, buffets, coupons, and good deals, go to LasVegasAdvisor.com.